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Synergistic Red Fuse ...

I installed a SR RED Quantum fuse in my ARC REF-3 preamp a few days ago, replacing an older high end fuse. Uhh ... for a hundred bucks, this little baby is well worth the cost. There was an immediate improvement upon installation, but now that its broken in (yes, no kidding), its quite remarkable. A tightening of the focus, a more solid image, and most important of all for my tastes, a deeper appreciation for the organic sound of the instruments. Damn! ... cellos sound great! Much improved attack on pianos. More humanistic on vocals. Bowed bass goes down forever. Next move? .... I'm doing the entire system with these fuses. One at a time though just to gauge the improvement in each piece of equipment. The REF-75se comes next. I'll report the results as the progression takes place. Stay tuned ...

Any comments from anyone else who has tried these fuses?
128x128oregonpapa
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
By the way Al, I was cruising through the AT ART-9 thread last night and was wondering how you like your’s now that its broken in?
Wonderful in every way :-) I’m forever indebted to you, Pani, and the several other members whose posts inspired me to purchase it!

I should note, though, that very shortly before purchasing it I also purchased a Herron VTPH-2 phono stage (that acquisition also having been inspired largely by the glowing praise it has just about universally received here and elsewhere), and it’s hard to say which of the two items has been the greater contributor to the improvement in my system. Although it’s certainly safe to say that both have been major factors.

To add some context, previously I was using a Soundsmith re-tipped Grace F9E Ruby moving magnet cartridge, and the phono section of a vintage but well regarded Mark Levinson ML-1 preamplifier as my phono stage (accessed via its tape outputs). The ML-1 and various incarnations of the Grace F9E served me well for many years, but the new combo is in a different league altogether.

Thanks again. Best regards,
-- Al

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charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
No knock on the Mark Levinson Phono section but I'd expect the Herron to be a considerable improvement based on its long term universal praise from very happy owners. 
Charles, 
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oregonpapa OP
4,867 posts
 
Thanks for the response, Al. I'm delighted that you've found the ART-9 to be so enjoyable. Now, this kind of fits into this thread very nicely.  I had no idea what a great bargain (if one can call $1100.00 for a cartridge a bargain), it really is. I've had mine for just about a year now, and over the past year, there has been some very significant improvements to the system in the way of new PC's, new IC's, new speaker cables and some real nice room treatments. Honestly Al, what I'm getting out of my vinyl rig at this point is quite mind blowing. 

Again, I'm so happy that you are finding the same thing. Kudos to Pani. 

OP
jib222
27 posts
 

Charles

I installed the SR black fuse in my Shindo Auregies - TOTAL MAGIC - I now hear the plucking of the strings, detail that I never knew existed - not to repeat, but like the "fog has been lifted"

This is the best and cheapest upgrade ever - hands down.  Anyhow with a Shindo pre-amp MUST buy one!! 

At this point, no interest in upgrading my preamp, but a SR Black fuse in a Masseto or VR.....................

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davidpritchard
866 posts
 
jib222:

Congratulations on the sonic improvement, and having the courage to try an improved fuse. For me the Synergistic Research Black fuse has improved the sound in everything from the inexpensive Home Theater ZVOX self powered speakers to the expensive custom Fred Voltz - Emotion Type 45 tube amp.

I can feel your excitement and am happy for your discovery.

David Pritchard
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